PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER | THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CONCERNS … Todd Kindinger addresses the German Township Trustees during Monday evening’s meeting regarding development concerns within the township.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The German Township Trustees met for their regular session on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6 p.m.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance before trustees adjusted the order of business to allow extended public discussion due to the size of the crowd.
Trustees began by addressing comments made at a recent Village Council meeting. A written statement was read into the record responding to claims that trustees had made assumptions and should have done additional homework.
Trustees stated they respectfully disagreed, explaining that two trustees attended the council meeting along with Cory Rufenacht to ensure transparency from the outset.
At a previous township meeting, trustees shared their email communications with the public, invited the development company to speak directly, invited village representation to participate, and provided residents with instructions on how to submit public records requests so individuals could independently obtain documents and form their own conclusions.
Trustees then addressed the issue of nondisclosure agreements. They stated they declined to enter into an NDA with Iron Ridge Development, citing their obligation as elected officials to conduct township business transparently and avoid agreements that could restrict disclosure or create the appearance of confidentiality inconsistent with their public duties.
An email exchange was referenced in which Iron Ridge requested a signed NDA before discussing a potential development opportunity in Fulton County.
Trustees formally responded that while confidentiality is common in private sector discussions, potential development within the township is a matter of public interest and must remain open to appropriate public review and discussion.
The statement further referenced recently introduced state legislation by Representatives Adam Bird and Brian Stewart that would prohibit certain local elected officials from entering into nondisclosure agreements connected to their official responsibilities.
Trustees expressed appreciation for community engagement and acknowledged the large turnout.
Trustees also acknowledged Village Administrator Aaron Alt for assisting with information gathering and recognized Cory Rufenacht for explaining how he had been approached regarding land option agreements and declining an offer.
With that, trustees opened the floor for public comment.
Todd Kindinger addressed the board on behalf of Citizens for Responsible Development, explaining that the group retained Richard Klein of Community and Environmental Defense Services to review the situation and provide recommendations regarding environmental, health, and societal impacts of potential development at the site discussed previously.
Klein has decades of experience in land development matters and provided a written report based on available information.
According to the statement presented, the report does not seek to exclude development outright but recommends additional study and zoning review to ensure protection of the community, environment, and farmland. The report was submitted to trustees by email on February 19.
Speakers referenced Ohio House Bill 646, introduced January 14, 2026, which proposes establishing a commission to study environmental and health effects of data centers, impacts on farmland and local economies, national security considerations, and foreign involvement in data center targeting.
Residents stated it would be beneficial to review the results of such a commission before making permanent land use decisions in a rural area.
Further discussion centered on Regional Growth Partnership Northwest Ohio marketing materials that promote the region as a leading location for data centers due to available land, energy capacity, infrastructure, and workforce. Speakers also referenced JobsOhio as being involved in similar development efforts.
Based on the CEDS report, pending legislation, and regional marketing efforts, a formal request was made by members of the public for a one-year moratorium on advanced manufacturing on land currently zoned agricultural within German Township.
The stated purpose of the moratorium would be to allow time for study, zoning clarification, and preparation for emerging technology proposals.
Following extended public comment, trustees responded by outlining their intended next steps. After consulting with the Fulton County Prosecutor, trustees stated they will draft a clear definition of advanced manufacturing within the township zoning code and review conditional use language to eliminate ambiguity.
They plan to consult the Ohio Township Association and review how other townships have structured similar provisions. Trustees indicated a moratorium could be considered if necessary to allow adequate time for careful drafting and legal review.
Trustees emphasized that no rezoning applications, annexation petitions, or development filings have been submitted to the township at this time.
After nearly two hours of discussion, trustees transitioned into regular business. Bills were reviewed and approved. No fire, zoning, or cemetery reports were presented.
During the maintenance report, it was noted that crews had a break from snow operations and used the time to service equipment including the backhoe and mower tractor.
Work was completed on the smaller white Ram brush truck after a frozen valve was discovered, requiring plumbing repairs. Crews also handled several deer removal calls.
Under trustee reports, an email from Frank Onweller regarding the Township Safety Sign Grant Program was discussed, and trustees agreed to pursue participation in the program.
An email from Tyler Bernath regarding a zoning permit for a chicken barn on County Road H between County Roads 19 and 20 was also acknowledged.
Trustees then reviewed an email from the Williams County Alliance regarding a pro bono data center legal clinic, though no action was taken.
Under old business, trustees noted the OTA Risk Management Authority matter had been addressed and stated they have received several names for the zoning inspector position and vacancies on the Board of Appeals.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. The next meeting was scheduled to be held on March 9, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Update: Archbold Village Council continues data center discussion at March 16 meeting